Main content

British Dystopias

Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode explore dystopian British film and TV, from 1984 to The Kitchen.

Forty years on from 1984 and the release of the John Hurt-starring big screen adaptation of George Orwell’s novel, Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode explore dystopian visions from British film and TV.

Mark speaks to film critic Kim Newman about the literary roots of the dystopia, from 1984 to A Clockwork Orange. And he talks to actor Brian Cox about how, in a career that has included roles as Dr Hannibal Lecter and Logan Roy, the prophetic 1968 TV play The Year of The Sex Olympics remains one of the projects he is most proud of.

Meanwhile, Ellen talks to Ngozi Onwurah, the director of landmark film Welcome II The Terrordome. Released in 1995, the radical British dystopian tale was the first feature directed by a black woman to get a UK cinema release. Ellen and Ngozi discuss why Welcome II The Terrordome was so prescient.

And Ellen also speaks to Kibwe Tavares, who co-directed new film The Kitchen, about a dilapidated housing estate in a near-future London, with Get Out star Daniel Kaluuya.

Producer: Jane Long
A Prospect Street production for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 4

Available now

42 minutes

Last on

Sat 20 Jan 2024 22:15

Broadcasts

  • Fri 19 Jan 2024 19:15
  • Sat 20 Jan 2024 22:15

Which films and TV inspired Netflix hits Bridgerton and Squid Game?

Which films and TV inspired Netflix hits Bridgerton and Squid Game?

Screenshot explores the connections between today’s streaming hits.

Why did the erotic thriller run out of steam?

Why did the erotic thriller run out of steam?

Ellen E Jones and Mark Kermode explore cinema's steamiest genre.

How did method acting become so extreme?

How did method acting become so extreme?

A historical timeline of the sometimes bizarre technique.

Why going to the cinema is good for you

Why going to the cinema is good for you

Going to the movies isn’t just for fun – it benefits your mind, body and soul. Here’s why

Podcast